4.3 “A White Heron” – Short Answer Questions
Answer each question below in complete sentences.
Comprehension
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Where did Sylvia live before she came to stay at her grandmother’s house? What does the younger stranger
hope to find in the wilderness? What does the stranger offer to give anyone who helps him achieve his
goals? (3 pts) She lived in the city with her mom. The young stranger hopes to find white heron. The
stranger offers a large amount of money.
Analysis
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What is Sylvia’s reaction when she first hears the stranger’s whistle? What later events in the story does this
reaction foreshadow, or predict? (2 pts)
She is scared when she hears the whistle. It foreshadows where she
will put the white heron and that she will hide it from the stranger.
●
On the second day, how does Sylvia feel about the stranger? What motivates Sylvia to climb the pine tree?
What effect does the experience of climbing the great pine have on Sylvia? (3 pts) She is motivated to climb
to get a better look for the heron, and this affects her by making her feel joy and freedom.
●
Jewett ends the story by invoking “Dear loyalty.” To whom or what Sylvia remains loyal by not telling the
heron’s secret. Explain your answer. (2 pts) SHe remains loyal by not telling Heron's secret. By not telling
the stranger she is protecting the Heron from being killed.
●
How would Sylvia’s and her grandmother’s lives have changed if they had accepted the ten dollars from the
stranger? What does this detail suggest about the time period and circumstances in which they live?
Explain. (3 pts) Both of them accepted ten dollars from the stranger. The details show that they are desprest
for money and will do almost anything.
